A vintage fashion and personal style blog. My blog is not only about my incessant love for fashion and vintage clothing but also features style inspiration, my steampunk jewelry, photography, writing and poetry, fashion designers and upcoming Australian indie designers and much more. Enjoy lovelies!

Hi friends hope you are all having a lovely weekend. It has been raining heaps where I am but it is nice to spend some time watching TV shows and working on my blog designs!
I would like to introduce you to my sponsor Coupon Codes. They have pretty much every shop under the sun covered and you can get some amazing deals everyday!
To give an example I have chosen one of my fave shops 80s Purple which always stocks my fave brands like Dear Creatures and Gentle Fawn. I have listed all my must have items above and you can find all of these amazing items by following the Coupon Codes link for 80s Purple.
The current coupon is offering new 80s purple customers 15% off their first purchase which means more items for you! Get in quick as coupons can change with new bargains happening all the time!

Here a list of my latest WANTS all in capitals of course! I wish dearly that I could win the lotto and buy myself everything listed here especially the Rachel Comey Mars boots in lavender aren’t they just divine!

I saw the House of Harlow necklace on a customer at my old job and asked her what brand it was so of course I had to find the same necklace online. It really looks even nicer in real life though.

And Silk….the bane of my existence why are you so pretty but cost so much and take so much to look after?

Lately I have been loving blue- not sure why as I don’t have too many blue items in my closet. But recently I have also noted that even many of my recent purchases have all been blue based items (including this bag, this vintage dress, and this top)

I started my new job in admin this week and so far it is going great. My new office is amazing it is dark and quiet with a window you can actually open and a manual air-conditioner that you can change the settings on. I always believe the most important part of feeling “at home” in a new job starts with your office environment so I am going to think of some cute office supplies to pretty it up.

This has got to be my BEST giveaway ever! Have you ever wanted to purchase something lovely from Modcloth but don’t have the funds? Never fear, enter my $50 gift voucher giveaway for your chance to buy yourself something lovely!To enter please do the following:

Follow my blog with Bloglovin or Google Friend Connect

Leave a comment with your contact details

Retweet this post and get yourself an extra entry! Just make sure you include @mymodernvintage in the retweet

**entry conditions and other things to note**

this giveaway is NOT sponsored by Modcloth this is something I am doing for my lovely readers out of my own back pocket

giveaway will be drawn in 2 weeks (7 May) and announced to the winner with acknowledgment in a blog post

Today is my last day at my current job and tomorrow will be my first at my new one! I have decided to share a poem as I am too busy today to write and meaningful blog post. Hope you enjoy

Beginnings can be kind: A first drop of rain,Tip of the sun rising at morning,First green shoot that signals spring.Awakenings of all kinds, these beginnings,Like a newborn’s joyful snatch at breath.

Endings can also be kind: A lull in the rain,Sunset drawing day to a close,The scatter-art of autumn leaves.Sleepings of all kinds, these endings,Like a man’s last troubled snatch at breath.

We make so much of our beginnings and endings,Clinging to wakefulness, dreading our sleeping,Blind to the beauty of cycles asRain gives way to sunshine, day to night,Spring to autumn, our first breath to our last.

Our ending too can be kind, it is not so hard,Without endings there can be no beginnings.

With the world in a global recession, living within our means is more important than ever. Whilst the cost of living continues to rise in relation to rising oil and food prices, we need to be less frivolous with our disposable income. Instead of purchasing things that are already made, we need to take a leaf out of the past and express our creative and crafty skills. Most outfits would look incomplete without some type of jewellery but the great thing about it is that with a bit of research and hard work you can create your very own.

Before starting anything it’s important to figure out what sort of items are easy and practical tomake and what items would be a nightmare to create. Of course this will also depend on your level of experience and the tools you have but there are beautiful items that anyone has the ability to make such as bracelets, necklaces and pendants.

The first thing that you should do is research various pieces that you would like to recreate or findthe ideas and inspiration necessary to make your very own. The great thing about creating your very own vintage jewellery is that you can make it unlike anything else; a unique piece. Once you have a few ideas in mind, it’s time to find some supplies such as beads. Depending on your local shops and markets, this may be easy or difficult.

Another way to produce vintage jewellery is by using resin kits from craft stores. All types ofjewellery can be made using this method including pendants, bracelets and necklaces with anauthentic feel. For beginners, it is best to look for all in one resin kits or a two-part resin epoxy kit(gives you time to make corrections as it dries slowly). In addition, you will need scrapbook cut outs or other items to place in the resin, mould or bezel links, two plastic cups and tooth picks or craft sticks.

If you don’t have any experience in casting resin to create jewellery, it is best to have a few practice goes before using the actual supplies for your piece of jewellery. Follow the instructions given in the kit to create the resin mix, and then add the scrapbook picture into your bezel link. Slowly pour the resin in until your mould or bezel link is full and use your craft stick to make sure your image is in the right position. After this is complete, it is simply a case of waiting until the solution hardens; although it is important to keep your eyes out for air bubbles (release or pop them when necessary).

After 24 hours or so, your vintage jewellery will be complete and ready for you to wear. It is always very satisfying when you make something of your own and this is no different when it comes to vintage jewellery. So revive those lost and forgotten craft skills to produce a unique item that will have your friends wondering where exactly did you find such an item!

Writer Bio: Rebecca is a fashion and design student currently working for Samara James and she is passionate about all things to do with fashion and style. For information on less frugal jewellery, visit http://www.samarajames.com

Oh my GOD! This dress has got to be the cutest and most comfortable dress that I own! I am sooo in love with the adorable Scotty dog print and the bright red colour and of course the full skirt! I think the only thing that would make this dress any better is if it had an exposed zip but alas it does not.

This little baby came from Modcloth today and I swear I never wanna take it off. I am going to be wearing this to my new job next week with the Charter School Cardigan in black that I also got in this order.

I am wearing this dress with the cute blue satchel I got from my sponsor OASAP. You totally should check out the shop they have adorably cute things including bags, shoes and dresses!

Need some ideas on how to dress this one down though for more casual styling. Any advice shoot it my way!

With summer hitting the Northern Hemisphere in just a couple of months its no wonder people are lapping up this seasons must have colour- mint.

Seen in almost every high street fashion store and runways alike, this soft pretty colour looks great on pretty much anyone and with some great styling you will be on your way to chic.

Being in Australia, I am always one season behind but it is always refreshing to know that the internet allows me to keep up with what’s in season or is going to be. So although I won’t be seeing mint hitting Australian stores till later this year I have decided to stay ahead of the wolf pack. Here are some of my fave mint summer 2012 looks I have seen. Enjoy!

YAY! My fave show is finally back on Wednesday 18 April! Sooo excited it is definitely one of the best Aussie shows I have watched in years and this is coming from someone who rarely watches television (I much prefer DVDs or iTunes)

If you haven’t watched Offspring it is about a quirky chic called Nina Proudman who is an obstetrician and resides in Melbourne. She has had a pretty crazy life with heaps of ups and downs but is excited as her life finally seems to be going on track.

I have created some outfits for Season 3 below hope you like them and check out the show if you have access to it. It’s on Channel 10 Wednesdays at 8.30pm and the DVD’s for season 1 and 2 are already out!

When it comes to getting the most for your money, most vintage shoppers could tell you a thing or two. But some items require more of a modern vibe and must be purchased new at close to full price. However, there is no reason not to use your vintage-savvy shopping secrets to find basic pieces for way below full-price at your favourite thrift store.

The next time you feel like you may need to head to the mall for a much-need addition to your wardrobe, take a thrifting detour first and stock up on used versions of some of your favourite basics.

1. Denim

As we all know, denim is one of the more expensive fabrics to purchase, and a pair of well-made jeans can run up into the triple digits.

Even jeans that are thin and poorly make can be super expensive. In fact, a pair of jeans for less than $40 would probably be considered a steal at most retail stores. So why continue to pay full price for denim when you can find so many different styles at the nearest Good Will?

You will have to do some digging, but it’s easy enough to walk out the door with four new (to you) pairs of jeans for less than what you would pay for a cheap pair at most retailers. Single out jeans according to the look of the denim, and be creative when you try them on. Denim is easily altered to change hem, leg fit, length, and waist size.

2. LeatherLeather items usually need to be bought to last at least a couple seasons, because leather is definitely an expensive material. But, if you scour the racks of your favorite vintage and thrift stores for only leather items, you may be able to sidestep throwing down wads of cash to get a couple cool pieces. Things like leather skirts and pants can be bought on the cheap and then altered to fit. Also, look out for leather vests and jackets. Even large pieces of leather fabric, which are sometimes sold at thrift stores for unbearably low prices, can be turned into wraps for winter months.

3. T-ShirtsNow, sometimes you have to spend some money to get a great, classic white T, which is definitely a wardrobe necessity. But, how often do we walk into our favorite stores and see wrinkled, ratty-looking new t-shirts selling for upwards of $50? Why pay that price when you can find one of a kind T’s at your local thrift store, often for under a dollar. Look for T’s that are clean and have no pills or stains. You can even check out the boys section for smaller T’s with fun logos.

4. Sweaters

Old comfy sweaters are some of the best things to buy thrifted. First, sweaters can cost you a bundle when bought at full-price. Second, most of your new sweaters will quickly end up looking just like the sweaters on the racks at the Salvation Army.

Check out the sweater selection next time you’re in a thrift store, and you may find a piece that looks totally new at about a fifth of the cost.

5. Plastic Jewelry

When it comes to nice pieces of jewelry that you want to stand the test of time, it’s definitely time to break out the pocketbook and invest in brand new pieces or quality vintage items.

But, if you’re just looking for some fun, trendy, inexpensive finds, then a great thrift store should be the first place you go. Things like huge, neon plastic bangles or colored wire earrings are much better to buy at a price of 50 cents or so at a thrift store, especially compared to other retail options.

Author Bio:This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at online college about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5@gmail.com

One of the reasons I wanted to start a fashion blog was to showcase remixing styles and how to wear the same items again and again. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time or energy to invest in writing this sort of content for my blog but I am getting bored of my blog and want to start writing about things that I actually love about fashion.

This little outfit screams cute from all angles! The yellow blouse underneath is vintage which I got on etsy ages ago. I think wearing the jumper dress in its original pinafore style is great as you can experiment with heaps of different cute tops underneath for a different look every time. This ensemble would be great for work wear and I could totally see a school teacher wearing this!

For a more casual relaxed look wear with flat shoes and a cute sweater or cardigan belted over the top. This look would be great for your thrift shop outings with friends, visiting family or just pondering through aisles at the local library browsing the classics section.

The last look is super sexy rockabilly style incorporating a high waist, pleated vintage skirt and colourful statement belt to break up the look. Wear this look for a night out on the town with some red lips, fancy jewellery and a simple clutch.

I spent my Easter break with the family and managed to score 2 Easter eggs (even though I don’t like chocolate much!) . I also spent time with my darling babies Bella and Phoebe (pics of Phoebe in yesterdays post) and watched some movies and TV shows (Vampire Diaries season 3, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead season 2 and Sherlock Holmes)

Inspiration Monday will be back next week with some awesome summer outfits! What did you get up to over Easter?

It sometimes seems strange that I spent nearly every day for the past 12 years with this little munchkin and now I only see her every now and again (and every Saturday for dinner at mums house).

She turns 13 next week and I although she is still pretty healthy I am hoping she will live for at least a few more years. Phoebe has been like a gift in my life and I can honestly say that my life would not have been as good without her in in.

She has been there for me in good times and in bad. When I have yelled at her she still loves me just the same. She doesn’t care if I look fat or ugly and she has always just loved me for me. How many people can you say that about?

Even though I look stupid in this pic I love how Phoebe looks like she is smiling!